Note Quite Setting The Record Straight
The scene opens up inside the apartment of Sean Parker in Pasadena, California. It's the morning after Wisdom paid him a visit and he opened up about what happened at the Reunion Show concerning the attack on AC James. Sean is in his kitchen, still in what would be considered his nightwear which was a simple plain white y-back vest top and a pair of boxer shorts. He was making a breakfast comprised of scrambled eggs, avocado and toasted wholemeal bread along with a bowl of overnight oats. He was eating as he was cooking, as he tended often tended to not patient enough to wait for his full meal to be cooked. At this point, the only food he had left was dry toast after he had already scoffed down his eggs and eating the avocado like peanut butter out the jar. He lets out a deep sigh as plonks himself down on his coach, firing up his Smart TV and catching up on some news. (Sean): Alexa, what are my notifications? The automated female voice of Alexa echoes throughout the apartment. (Alexa): You have one new notifications. Order for four kilogram tub of strawberry protein powder is has been dispatched. Is there anything else? (Sean): Yes, play my favorite songs on volume three, please. (Alexa): Playing your list of favorite songs, "Master of Puppets" by Metallica now playing on Amazon Music. As music now fills Sean's apartment, he can relax somewhat. He thinks to himself ahout what has happened lately and the mess he's gotten himself into. He thought about his conversation with his Aunt last night and the perspective she was always so good at giving. He thought about what happened with Jeremy at the Training Academy, about putting his hands on Sense Matthew, a man who had trained him and helped him find his feet, literally, since he recovered from his injury. He had spoken in a rude way to Sarah who was just sticking up for Jeremy. He had made himself look like a complete asshole and for what? Attacking AC James at the Reunion Show, justified or not and then hiding it had eaten away at him and he knew he needed to make things right. And then of course there was coming clean with Butch. He had enjoyed a very open and honest relationship with him who was more of a father than an uncle. Sean had always found Butch to be very approachable but this was the first time he felt like a little boy again, scared to tell his dad he'd taken money from his wallet for fear of being punished. A deep breath gushed out from his mouth again as he tried to plan what he was going to do. Sean made his way back to the kitchen where his phone was charging, disconnecting it from the dock and going to his messages. He sees the message come in from Butch and his heart begins to race. He replies. (Sean): No turning back now, I guess. Sean spent the next fifteen minutes or so getting ready. He got changed into a pair of jeans, grabbed the first t-shirt he could find and pulled on a blue Rangers Football Club Castore hoody. He shoved his training gear into his gym bag - boots, hand wraps, heavy bag gloves, electrolytes and his water bottle. Forty-five minutes later he was parked outside the Training Academy and was approaching the front door. He stops short of entering the building, taking a moment to compose himself. He can see already see Jeremy, Matt, Sarah and Michelle being put through a warm-up by Sensei Matthew. (Sean): Oh boy, here we go. Sean pushes the door open and strolls in and walks through the atrium of the training area. As his four friends are mid push-up, Red Dragon sees Sean approaching. He sheepishly nods towards his coach who just stares at him. (Sean): Hey, Sensei. I just wanna say- (Red Dragon): - we’ll talk after… for now, join the rest of them. Push-ups. (Sean): Right now? I’m not in my gear yet. (Red Dragon): I’m aware. One hundred press-ups. Now. A very subtle smile crosses Red Dragon’s face as Sean drops his bag at his feet and begins doing his press-ups. As he lowers himself, Sean sees that he is adjacent with Jeremy, going up and down at the same time. (Sean): Hey man… (Jeremy): Hey... (Sean): Listen...I'm really sorry about the other day... Red Dragon walks by and puts a foot on Sean's back. (Red Dragon): Chest to floor, Sean-San, this isn't baby gymnastics. Jeremy, Matt, Sarah and Michelle can't help but laugh out loud. Sean smiles too, rolling his eyes. (Sean): Yes, Sensei..so look... I’m sorry for what happened, Jay. I had stuff on my mind and I shouldn't have taken it out on you...I attacked AC James and I couldn't live with myself for it.... Still in push-up position, everyone shouts in unison. (Everyone): You what?! (Red Dragon): Come on now... less talk more, more sweat, please. (Jeremy): Sorry, Sensei... The group resume their push-up drill but speak in more hushed tones as they do so. (Jeremy): What... were you thinking... (Sean): Don't...I've already ran through...the scenario in...my head...a hundred times... I seen him at the show....we talked... thought things were good...then he laughed about my injury...then he walked off ....next thing I know... I'm laying into him...and he's knocked out on the ground... (Matt): And you kept that to yourself...which is why... you've been acting out lately? (Sean): My head's been... A mess... And I still haven't...told Butch. (Matt): You know...you don't to keep things from us, Sean...we're...all friends here…..whatever you're going through...we're here for you...I know you're Butch's...nephew...but you don't...always have to be..so pig-headed. (Sarah): Seconded! Still doing his push-ups, Sean cranes his neck to see Sarah smiling at him. (Sean): Sarah, I'm so....sorry for the way I spoke to you too.... That wasn't cool and I shouldn't... have taken it out on you either... (Red Dragon): Alright, chatterboxes, enough chatter. Matt, Michelle, I want you on box jumps; Sarah and Jeremy, shuttle sprints up and down the hall. (Everyone): Yes, Sensei. The two group breaks off to do their respective exercises as instructed by Red Dragon. Thinking the warm-up drill is over, Sean jumps to his feet. (Red Dragon): I didn't say stop with the push-ups, Sean-San. Sean knows Red Dragon is punishing him for what happened before and his shoulders slump. (Sean): Look, Sensei, I'm really sorry for what happened. I shouldn't have lashed out and hit you. I could say I had stuff going on but it doesn't excuse it. You've been as much a mentor as Butch has to me and I dishonoured everything you taught me when I hit you. I’m sorry, Sensei. Red Dragon doesn't answer straightaway. He let's Sean stew and just stares at him with his blue eyes burning like dragon's fire through his very soul. Eventually, his demeanor relaxes and a small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. He reaches out and puts a hand on Sean's shoulder. (Red Dragon): You need to work on your punches, Sean-San. Sean is slightly taken aback, not following his coach's meaning. (Red Dragon): You punch like a child. Evina has hit me harder than that. Red Dragon slightly chuckles before he swiftly adopts a fighting stance and goes to punch Sean. Sean, although not immediately expecting it, instinctively blocks it. Red Dragon throws several more punches as well as kicks all of which Sean either blocks or avoids. Instinct takes over and Sean finds himself on the attack, throwing his own combination of punches. (Red Dragon): Don't think, just do. The two talk as they continue to spar. (Sean): | don't understand. He throws a spinning back kick which Red Dragon blocks with ease, bringing both forearms up in front of his face in a diagonal position that absorbs the blow and he pushes Sean's kicking leg away. (Red Dragon): When we overthink, we over complicate. When we overcomplicate... Red Dragon executes a jumping front kick which this time Sean parries to the side, and with his stance left wide open, Sean buries a straight left punch into Red Dragon's solar plexus that staggers him back a few feet. (Sean): ... we make mistakes... Red Dragon nods. He stands up straight, putting his right hand into a fist and placing into his open left palm and bows towards Sean, who reciprocates. Red Dragon pulls Sean into a hug. (Red Dragon): Exactly. Now, there's just one more thing I need you to do. (Sean): Of course, Sensei. (Red Dragon): Five hundred push-ups. (Sean): Yes Sen-wait what?! (Red Dragon): You heard me. Five hundred push-ups. (Sean): I thought we were cool though? (Red Dragon): Oh, we are. But I'm feeling particularly mean today and you did punch me in the face so...yeah, five hundred push-ups. (Sean): Fine. Sean grudgingly gets down all fours before extending his legs back to balance on the tips of his toes and begins his five hundred push-ups. Around the three hundred mark, Michelle, Jeremy, Sarah and Matt have been sent on a five kilometre run around the district where the Training Academy is located. Meanwhile, Red Dragon is casually working out on a heavy bag, throwing soft punch and kick combinations whilst keeping a weather eye on Sean's push-up progress. At this point, Butch Parker enters the gym, decked out in a pair of jeans, and a buttoned-down smart-casual shirt, he has a more serious look on his face than normal as he walks through the hall. Sean glances up from his prone position, sweat pouring from his brow. His arms and shoulders feel like they're on fire and then he sees Butch walking through. He mutters under his breath. (Sean): Oh great... Butch glances over and sees Sean, still in his street clothes doidg his push-ups and looks slightly confused. He catches Red Dragon's eye and beckons him over with a subtle jerk of his head. (Butch): Matthew, why is Sean doing push-ups in his jeans? (Red Dragon): I'm assuming Wisdom spoke to you? (Butch): Yeah... is this what that's about? Has he said anything? (Red Dragon): Just apologising for punching me. This is his penance. They both look round at Sean continuing with his push-up drill. (Butch): How many did you tell him to do? (Red Dragon): Five hundred. (Butch): And how many has he done? (Red Dragon): Meh, I lost count after six-hundred-and-twenty. Butch involuntarily snickers. (Butch): You're evil. (Red Dragon): I'll take that as a compliment. But in all seriousness, you two need to talk. He's squared up with everyone else but he really needs to talk to you. (Butch): I've got a funny feeling what it's about. Wisdom told me without telling me. (Red Dragon): He's been punishing himself pretty hard by the way, so you know, try not to go all.. Rampant Lion on him... (Butch): Coming from the guy who made him do six hundred push-ups in his street clothes because he got sucker-punched. (Red Dragon): You know what I mean...and we shall never speak of that again…..seriously though, you're the closest thing he has to a dad and idolises you like one, so, Y'know, just hear him out. (Butch): I will, I will, I promise. Just put the lad out of his misery please and send him to my office. Red Dragon turns his head and shouts over to Sean. (Red Dragon): Okay, Sean-San, you're done. Grab a drink, Butch wants to see you in his office. Relieved, Sean collapses to the mat, the sweat from his body creating an imprint of his body. (Sean): Out of the frying pan and into the fire... Sean pulls himself up and heaves himself to his gym bag, pulling out his hydration bottle, draining half of it's volume in two long gulps. Red Dragon comes over to him, extending his hand out. Sean grabs it and is hauled to his feet. (Sean): Are we even now? (Red Dragon): Oh, I'd actually forgotten all about it, I just wanted to see how many you could do before you gave up. (Sean): You didn't even do that during my black belt grading...if I could move my arms right now... Red Dragon smirks, patting Sean on the back. ‹font color=red>(Red Dragon): Yeah, yeah, you'd do this, that and the next thing. Save it, hot shot. Your uncle wants to see you in his office. (Sean): This is going to be bad, isn't it, Sensei? (Red Dragon): Just be honest with him, Sean-San. Your uncle isn't some hot head that will go off the handle- Red Dragon is interrupted by Sean's "are you kidding me?" expression. (Red Dragon):-anymore! Look, this is going to be something you might just have to take on the chin, Sean-San. But Butch will appreciate your honesty. (Sean): Well, here goes nothing... Sean walks off to Butch's office. He opens the door, walking in to find Butch standing in front of his desk, leaning his weight back on it, arms crossed in front of his broad chest and legs crossed over. (Butch): So, apparently there's something you want to talk to me about? Everyone else seems to know apart from me at this stage though. Sean takes a deep breath before he speaks. (Sean): Okay, here goes. At the Reunion Show, it was me that attacked AC James… Sean could see Butch start to react but kept talking before he could be interrupted. (Sean): … But it wasn’t like you think! Sean brings Butch up to speed with what transpired between him and AC James at the Reunion Show that ended up with Sean attacking him. A long silence follows that feels like an eternity. Sean tries to read Butch’s face but the four-time HWA World Champion is like a sphinx. Butch chews his bottom lip, exhaling deeply through his nose. (Butch): And why has it taken this long to tell me? (Sean): I didn’t want you to think I’d just acted rashly or that Maniac had gotten in my hand with what he said before. (Butch): AC could have grounds to take legal action, Sean. He’s not a contracted performer, he was there as a guest. You’re lucky he’s not taking it any further. (Sean): Lucky? LUCKY?! You nearly killed Legion the day I got injured because you were so angry! You got fined you a hundred thousand dollars! So don’t lecture me on machinations of seeking ill-advised revenge! At least I didn’t react in the moment! I went to talk to him, to try and put my own personal demons to rest and he taunted me, Butch! He f**king laughed like he hadn’t even thought about it since, like a bully thinking back to when he would stuff the scrawny kid into a locker in high school. So you know what? I let that arrogant prick have it! And instead of feeling vindicated and at peace, I’ve spent the last week worrying about what you’d think! Worrying I’d made the wrong decision! So you know what? Fine me! Suspend me! Hell, fire me! I don’t care! I spent the last fourteen years wondering what I would do if I ever came face-to-face with him again. This whole thing could’ve been avoided anyway if hadn’t even invited him to begin with! You could’ve inducted Ronnie McNeil into the Hall of Fame yourself but you didn’t even ask how I felt about inviting him to the show. I can’t believe I worried more about letting you down than I did about my own feelings. F**k this I’m out of here. (Butch): Now, you listen here- (Sean): I’m done! Sean doesn’t even wait for Butch to respond as he storms out of Butch’s office. He feels his heart pounding in his ears and it takes everything in his power to stop the tears forming in his eyes. Sean grabs his gym back and stomps out of the Training Academy. Butch slumps into his office chair, massaging his temples with the thumb and index finger of his left hand as he reflects back on the disastrous interaction with Sean. There is a knock on his door before it opens and Red Dragon’s head pops in. (Red Dragon): That sounded like it went well… (Butch): Did you hear all that? (Red Dragon): Pretty sure the whole of LA heard it. (Butch): F**k, this is a mess. I knew at the time what had probably happened but I wanted him to tell me on his own. Then I find out he’s worried that much that he took it own on Jeremy and then he attacked you. He’s been bottling this up and had no one to talk to about it. (Red Dragon): I get it, Butch-San. Remember how badly I wanted revenge on Hans but for what he did to me? To you? I wanted to tear him limb from limb so many times but you stopped me. You talked sense into me. Sean went in to talk to him, not to hurt him. He took the high road and acted like anyone would when mocked with something like that. You can’t hold that over him, Butch-San. (Butch): I know… I’ll let him cool off and I’ll maybe see him later…I just have to tell Wisdom things went tits up now… (Red Dragon): Rather you than me… (Butch): Thanks for the vote of confidence. (Red Dragon): Well, whilst you ponder your life choices, I have a class to run. (Butch): You’re not funny, Red! (Red Dragon): Yes, I am! Red Dragon quickly gets the last word as he disappears from Butch’s office, shutting the door behind him. Butch sighs again, mopping his face with his hands. He looks at his phone for the time. Not even eleven-thirty in the morning. (Butch): Not even lunchtime and I already need a beer… He takes out his phone and begins to message Wisdom to catch her up. Butch waits anxiously for Wisdom to respond as the scene fades to black.
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